James Pritchard letter 1872
August 26 1872.
Dear Andrew:
I received your kind letter a few days past and was glad to hear you were all well. I also was happy to see there was nothing tart or bitter against any in it and I read it for Ann to let her see I had friends who did not forget me. I then told her to speak to Thomas Andrew and let them know that I was ready to go at any time the(y) thought proper or the(y) were not content with what I was given (giving) them. I could do no more.
Thomas Andrew said my grandfather shall not go away if he had not one shillen to give us. Poor Anney burst out in tears and said grandfather must not leave us so when I seen that the(y) were all willing that I should stop I said I would for I knew that you and your family would throw no reflections on me for not acepting their kind ofer to me which I sincerely thank you for and I hope I may be abel to go and see you all yet.
Dear Andrew I have often thought this time past of the words of Solomon . . . a soft answer turns away wrath but bitter words stir up strife. I was very sorry to hear of the letter sent to you which I knew nothing of or I would have kept it if I could. I made an agreement with you. I do not want it changed in any particular. You could not think how it troubles me but I have got over all or one and I hope so have you. God bless you and family.
I want some things for the winter. If I can I will go up. If not I will right to you and I think John will let one of the boys bring to me. Please let John have the reading of this.
My kindest respects to you, your beloved wife and all the children. Mr White here this day and told me he was up at your place and that you were all well and that Anny going on the crutches. No more at present. I remain, your loving father.
Jas. Pritchard
James Pritchard would have been 89 when he wrote this letter, and apparently living with his daughter Ann, her husband Thomas Stevenson, and their family east of Wakefield. Andrew was his son at North Wakefield who with his family was living in what is now known as the Homestead. Thomas Andrew was Ann and Thomas Stevenson's older son; Anney then a 14-year-old daughter. John would have been James' eldest son, and the Anny on crutches Andrew's 10 year-old daughter. A typed version of this letter is included in the Andrew Pritchard collection at the National Archives of Canada, here is a scan (attached, and see References).